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Inclusion of Vulnerable, Marginalized Groups in Decision Making Key to Ending Crisis in West Africa- Tunis
Inclusion of Vulnerable, Marginalized Groups in Decision Making Key to Ending Crisis in West Africa- Tunis
By: Michael Mike
The rising crisis in West Africa, which include military coups and insecurity, inequality has been identified as one of the major factors causing the upsurge.
Even as supporting the participation of people from vulnerable and marginalized groups in the decision-making and democratic processes of the societies
has been recognized to be the key to continued peace, security and sustainable development.
Speaking at the opening of the delocalized meeting of the Joint Committee of the ECOWAS Parliament, bringing together the Committee on Political Affairs, Peace, Security and the African Peer Review Mechanism, the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights and the Committee on Social Affairs, Gender and Women Empowerment holding in Monrovia, Liberia, the Speaker of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, Rt Hon. Sidie Mohamed Tunis acknowledged that every meeting of the Parliament is an opportunity to analyze and make proposals to better understand and control political, economic, and social developments in West Africa.
Tunis, while noting that the meeting will focus on one of the priorities of ECOWAS Vision 2050, which is to promote good governance and consolidate irreversible peace, security, as well as development in the region, however said: “As we all know, inequality has been one of the bases or causes of subversive acts in our region.
“The marginalization of vulnerable groups from important decision-making processes, particularly ethnic or religious minorities, women and young people, provides fertile ground for conflict of violent extremism.”
He said: “We must convince ourselves that supporting the participation of people from vulnerable and marginalized groups in the decision-making and democratic processes of our societies is imperative for peace, security and sustainable development.”
The Speaker added that: “Political inclusivity has the advantage of enabling all points of view to be expressed and taken into consideration, and of enhancing the representation of every segment of the population, including women and young people.”
He revealed that the delocalized meeting, which is being held on the theme: “Enhancing political inclusivity in the participatory governance process: a mechanism for promoting peace and security “, was part of activities designed by the ECOWAS Parliament to continually demonstrate its openness to the citizens of the region, stressing that it also provides an opportunity to share experiences and collaborate with national institutions in the pursuit of the integration objectives of ECOWAS.
Liberia’s Vice President, Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor lamented that political inclusivity is still far from being achieved, insisting that going by a few statistics as indicated by a January 2023 UN Women Facts and Figures report, women on the continent particularly and globally in general are still yet to be accorded the acceptable number in distribution of political offices.
She noted that inclusive political processes are crucial to sustaining peace and conflict prevention; establishing and strengthening political processes aimed at improving the participation and political influence of citizens; making governments and institutions more accountable and transparent, and building a stronger and more inclusive social contract between government and the people for greater access to opportunities, amongst other issues.
Taylor said though much has been done over the past 30 years to bring to the front burner the issue of equal participation of both genders, but the fact remains that even at the ECOWAS Parliament where the mandatory acceptable standard is a minimum 30% representation from each member state ; current statistics indicated that out of 115 members only 21 members are females, a mere 18.26%.
She argued quoting an unknown author that: “A woman is human. She is not better, wiser, stronger, more intelligent, more creative or more responsible than a man. Likewise, she is also not less…” She asked the parliamentarians that “as you navigate the discussions on the way forward towards greater peace and security in our sub-region, I crave your indulgence to proffer policy prescriptions which compel our National Governments to take affirmative actions for the inclusion of women at all levels in the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches of governments.”
President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, in his speech, noted that the disconnect between the government and its citizens is a contributing factor to the volatility and threats to democracy in the sub-region.
Touray, who was represented by Mrs Josephine Nkrumah, Permanent Representative of the ECOWAS Commission to Liberia, urged members of the ECOWAS Parliament to consider the role of civic engagements as a key strategy to building a more inclusive society.
He said that the ECOWAS Parliament’s delocalized meeting was apt and the Commission awaits recommendations from the meeting that would act as the springboard for both Parliament and Commission to ensure inclusivity of all ECOWAS citizens in the democratic process of the sub region.
Touray said: “The seeming disconnects between the governed and those who govern have contributed in part to the volatility of the sub-region leading to discontent in our communities.
“It is pertinent that in other to have effective inclusiveness and participatory government processes, our citizens must be engaged, involved and discerning.
“We look forward to a collaborative effort to building a more inclusive society in our governance processes for peace and security which are prerequisite to our economic and social integration as a sub region.”
Inclusion of Vulnerable, Marginalized Groups in Decision Making Key to Ending Crisis in West Africa- Tunis
Karai-Karai, Ngizimawa tribes unit to support APC in Yobe
By: Yahaya Wakili
The meeting of unity between the Karai-karai and Ngizimawa tribes of Mamudo constituents (alias Yanki Shida) ended with a promise to continue supporting the APC present administration in the state under the able leadership of Governor Mai Mala Buni CON, Chiroman Gujba.
The meeting was held under the leadership of Alhaji Adamu Abdu Chillariye, a leader, stakeholder, and adviser on governmental affairs to Governor Mai Mala Buni CON, Chiroman Gujba, at his residence in Potiskum.
Alhaji Adamu Abdu Chillariye calls on the people to shun what is happening in the past and solicit their support and cooperation for Governor Buni’s administration in the state. Adding that, in the past, we know Karai-karai and Ngizim are brothers and sisters; we are moving together; we are doing everything together, but recently some people come and divide us.
“Let us build a solid concrete foundation for our children and our grandchildren, and as we are suffering now, don’t allow our children and our grandchildren to suffer; let us unite ourselves and develop our area.” Chillariye added.
Also speaking, Hon. Saidu Arjale said in the past we know Karai-karai and Ngizimawa are one thing; nobody will separate them; they are doing everything together; they are moving together, but some people, because of their selfish interest, come and divide us.
He calls on the members to be straightforward; don’t be afraid, put fear aside, face the reality, unite ourselves, and live a good legacy for our children and our grandchildren in the future.
Also contributing, Mallam Ibrahim Bogocho said we are claiming that we are good politicians, but from us some people will come and use us to achieve their political aim, noting that since we wake up from sleeping, let us unite ourselves because without unity, nothing will go normal.
In his own contribution, the former chairman of the Nangere local government area, Alhaji Adamu Yahaya (alias Adamu Alabura), revealed that today I am very happy as I saw Karai-karai and Ngizimawa meeting to unite themselves and move together in politics.
He said you can’t differentiate between Karai-karai and Ngizim; they are one entity, and politics is a game of choice. Let us forget about being afraid since we come out with these good initiatives. Now that we have a credible leader who can lead us, please let us give him maximum support to achieve our goal.
Earlier speaking at the meeting, the state chairman of Mayina Kara, Alhaji Sha’aibu Shamshi, said, Since we got crises among us, but now we are ready to resolve it by the grace of God.
“My message to Karai-karai and Ngizimawa people is to unite ourselves and support the government; let us always be loyal to the government and support our leader, Alhaji Adamu Abdu Chillariye. I know him for quite a long time; he is a straightforward person; he doesn’t want to lie.
Karai-Karai, Ngizimawa tribes unit to support APC in Yobe
Transforming Agriculture and Food Security in Nigeria: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Vision
By: Amb. Musa Tsoken
It could be recalled that on the 13th of March, 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR had raised concerns regarding the devastating hunger that had bedeviled Nigeria and the world at large. However, it was a global threat that needed to be tackled to leverage the negative trend to save humanity.
The vision and mission of Senator Abubakar Kyari in his political sojourn was that of humanity first, which tallies with the agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.
No wonder Kyari, who sees his ministry as a savior and a place of succor to Nigeria, did not relent in putting up his best to ensure that the declaration of a state of emergency on food security yields positive results as a major critical area of concern for the nation’s development in terms of providing efficient and essential food for local consumption and generating substantial revenue for both individuals and government.
Agricultural growth is definitely a channel of countering insecurity by providing job opportunities as well as increasing the GDP of Nigeria.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has made significant strides in reforming the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, with the Honourable Minister Senator Abubakar Kyari at the helm. This publication highlights the government’s efforts to address food security challenges, as emphasized by the President and reinforced by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima.
In response to the growing concerns about food insecurity, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency, underscoring the need for urgent action. This declaration has been reinforced by the circular issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. Dr. George Akume, which emphasizes the importance of focusing on critical areas of the economy, including agriculture.
Under the leadership of Hon. Minister Senator Abubakar Kyari, the ministry has embarked on several reform initiatives, including:
Increasing funding and inputs for farmers to enhance productivity and ensure food security.
Revitalizing Agriculture: Implement policies to increase agricultural production, reduce insecurity, and promote sustainable development.
Food Security as a National Priority: Recognizing food security as an integral component of national security, the administration is working tirelessly to ensure every Nigerian has access to nutritious food.
The government is committed to collaborating with local and international partners to achieve its food security goals. This includes working with the private sector, development organizations, and other stakeholders to leverage expertise, resources, and funding.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is committed to transforming the agricultural sector and ensuring food security for all Nigerians. With the Honourable Minister Senator Abubakar Kyari at the helm, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is driving reforms and initiatives that will have a lasting impact on the country’s food security landscape. Kudos to Sen. Kyari for his tireless effort to ensure transformation, innovation, and advanced technology in agricultural development in Nigeria.
Transforming Agriculture and Food Security in Nigeria: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Vision.
Armed Bandits Attack Niger Villages, Kill One, Kidnap Several Others
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits have attacked several villages in Shiroro and Munya Local Government Areas of Niger State, killing one person, kidnapping several others, and rustling an unconfirmed number of cattle.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack in Shiroro LGA occurred at about 2:15 p.m. on Feb. 22, when bandits on motorcycles invaded Kutako Makera and Galadiman-Kogo villages.
The assailants shot dead a 75-year-old resident, Bansi Kutako, before abducting multiple villagers and stealing cattle.
In a separate incident, bandits stormed Hayin-Dogo village in Munya LGA around 3:50 a.m. on Feb. 23, kidnapping five residents, including two women.
The victims have been identified as: Adamu Danfulani, Umar Sanda, Murtala Tailor, Aisha Rabiu, and Ramatu Murtala, 26
Joint security forces, including the military, police, vigilantes, and DSS special hunters, have been deployed to track the criminals, rescue the abducted persons, and recover stolen livestock.
The command urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements to security agencies.
Armed Bandits Attack Niger Villages, Kill One, Kidnap Several Others
Karai-Karai, Ngizimawa tribes unit to support APC in Yobe
Transforming Agriculture and Food Security in Nigeria: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Vision
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